Explore the intriguing history behind Ollantaytambo and learn everything you need to know to visit this Inca town in the Sacred Valley, including what to see and how to get there, things to do, etc.
Overview
Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town located in the Peruvian Andes, approximately 2-hour drive from Cusco
This ancient Inca village houses the ruins of Ollantaytambo, for many travelers, Ollantaytambo is also the last stop before they visit Machu Picchu.
For many travelers, it is also the last stop before they visit Machu Picchu.
A lot of tourists do pass through Ollantaytambo briefly; it’s included as a stop on many tours of the Sacred Valley, it’s close to one of the most popular starting points for the famous 4 day Inca Trail, and the train to Machu Picchu can also be boarded there. The Ollantaytambo ruins are a popular site for people from all over the world!
History of Ollantaytambo
It is believed that the Ollantaytambo ruins date back to around the mid-15th century and were built under the command of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Although the specialists say that the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo dates back more than 5000 years, they believe that it could have been discovered by the Incas 600 years ago because in the place you can see different types of constructions, from the finest to the most rustic, attributed to the Incas.
During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru, the Ollantaytambo ruins played a vital role in the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquerors. This rebellion was led by Manco Inca and succeeded in defeating a Spanish expedition.
Today, it is an important and popular tourist attraction in the Sacred Valley. Its main tourist attraction is the Inca site of Ollantaytambo which is visited by about 2000 visitors every day. Ollantaytambo Fortress – a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside, temples, and baths are worth a visit for history lovers.
Origin of the Name Ollantaytambo
In traditional Quechua culture, the name comes from “Ollanta”, the name of an Inca army captain, protagonist of the Quechua drama (El Drama Ollantay).
and Tambo comes from the Quechua word “Tampu” meaning: resting place or lodge.
Ollantaytambo town
This Inca city is home to incredible Inca ruins, but also the gateway to the town of Aguas Calientes, the base for visiting Machu Picchu.
Ollantaytambo was one of the many conquered villages during the rule of Pachacutec who led the Inca Empire and ordered the construction of Machu Picchu in the 1400s.
Ollantaytambo was used as an outpost for Inca nobles, the town of Ollantaytambo remained inhabited during the Spanish invasion and during the post-conquest period.
Ollantaytambo village is also the best surviving example of Inca city planning. Indeed, Ollanta’s organizational grid system can be seen from vantage points high above, especially from the hill opposite the fortress. The valley is surrounded by mountains, three valleys at a height as a defense, and gateway to Antisuyo (the Amazon corner of the Inca Empire).
The Ollantaytambo town also offer you to walk through cobblestone streets of the town and its buildings built on foundations of Inca stonework, which remain remarkably intact similar to their original appearances after construction by the Inca.
The Best Time to Visit Ollantaytambo
It has mild temperatures throughout the year ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 21°C (69°F). Ollantaytambo also has a dry season; from May, June, July to August are very dry.
Dry Season
The dry season is considered the best time to visit Ollantaytambo.
The days are hot and there are no rains at all, however take into account that even though it is dry season, no rain is not 100% sure.
How to Get to Ollantaytambo
There are two ways to get to Ollantaytambo from Cusco by bus: There are two ways to get to Ollantaytambo from Cusco by a public transportation.
By Bus from Cusco
A cheap way to travel to Ollantaytambo from Cusco is by public transportation, the cost of the trip is 12 soles, the bus ride takes about 2 hours.
To get this public bus to Ollantayatmbo you must get to Pavitos street in the city of Cusco, here you have 2 options, take a colectivo bus or take a shared colectivo cab which costs 15 soles.
You will not have to book anything in advance, but you should be familiar enough with Spanish to negotiate your rate.
By Car from Cusco
Car rental is still not a very popular way to get around Peru, but it is possible. You can rent a car in Cusco and drive to Ollantaytambo on your own.
The trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs about $37, the driver can pick you up at the airport, at your hotel or wherever you want to start your day, to take you to the chosen destination of your choice. They will even wait for you and follow up to cover your entire itinerary. They are not tour guides but they are super friendly.
Get to Ollantaytambo on a tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco
One of the best ways to get to Ollantaytambo is through a tour from Cusco, for this the Sacred Valley tour is ideal.
Opt to tour much of the Sacred Valley on a full day tour, the Sacred Valley tour starts and ends in Cusco, however you can ask to be dropped off in Ollantaytambo town after visiting the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Things to Do in Ollantaytambo
This quiet town of Ollantaytambo has plenty to offer: ancient culture and fascinating history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, a place to respectfully learn about and support the lives of the local Quechua Indigenous people, and a jumping-off point to visit an ancient town in the Sacred Valley that is filled with archaeological ruins.
- Visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins, either on your journey to or from your Machu Picchu experience, the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo is equally impressive and the main attraction in Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Explore the town of Ollantaytambo & its streets: Unique and incredibly well-preserved Inca cobblestone streets with an open drainage system that runs directly through the city streets. The town usually attracts day trippers from Cusco. But it is increasingly attracting overnight guests who stay here after their Sacred Valley tour en route to Machu Picchu, or after walking the Inca Trail. You can also stop before catching the train to Machu Picchu with a number of quality and budget hotels for you to stay in.
- Browse the souvenir Market: The town of Ollantaytambo also offer well-stocked open-air souvenir markets and situated at the main entrance of the Ollantaytambo ruins.
- Enjoy the view from the depositos de Pinkuylluna: A great free view over the village of Ollantaytambo and its imposing mountains is available from these old warehouses. The Pinkuylluna ruins (storehouses) is much less visited than the Terraces and Ruins, so they offer the opportunity to escape the crowds and sweat as well. The way up takes 30-45 minutes, and it will depend on your physical level and be careful on the way down!
- Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley Brewing): This local brewery is on the outskirts of town, but it’s easy to get there in a tuk-tuk or taxi, and if you like beer, you’ll love it here.
Day Tour through Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
If you are in the town of Ollantaytambo, or have just arrived in Ollantaytambo town to overnight either from Cusco city, after Machu Picchu experience, and want to start One Day Tour to Sacred Valley from either Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, ending in Cusco.
To explore Ollantaytambo ruins, Moray, Salt Mines & Chinchero, or Pisac ruins & Market on the way back to Cusco—Check out our Day Tour through Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo to Cusco for further inspiration
Faqs
Is Ollantaytambo worth visiting?
Of course it is! Not only because Ollantaytambo was an important Inca town but also because Ollantaytambo is the perfect place to learn much more about the Incas, it is the ideal site for those who love the history of the Incas.
What is Ollantaytambo known for?
Ollantaytambo is famous for its archaeological site and also for the town, which was considered a “living Inca town”.
Can you stay in Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is one of the best places in the Sacred Valley to acclimatize to the altitude.
Many travelers choose to stay a few days in Ollantaytambo before any activity.
Is it better to stay in Cusco or Ollantaytambo?
You won’t find a better place to stay than Ollantaytambo. If you are planning to hike the Rainbow Mountain or the Inca Trail, Ollantaytambo is the ideal place to avoid altitude sickness.
How much time do you need in Ollantaytambo?
To visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo 2 hours are time enough, you can explore the upper and lower parts at a smooth pace.
Ollantaytambo Ruins
Ollantaytambo is one of the best preserved Inca archaeological sites and a charming town, nicknamed Ollanta by the locals; nestled in the heart of Peru’s spectacular Sacred Valley. Its main tourist attraction is the archaeological site (also called fortress) located next to the town, and it is also lower, than Cusco.
A lot of tourists do pass through Ollantaytambo briefly; it’s included as a stop on many tours of the Sacred Valley, it’s close to one of the most popular starting points for the famous 4 day Inca Trail, and the train to Machu Picchu can also be boarded there. The Ollantaytambo ruins are a popular site for people from all over the world!
A Brief History of the Ollantaytambo Ruins
It is believed that the Ollantaytambo ruins date back to around the mid-15th century and were built under the command of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Although the specialists say that the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo dates back more than 5000 years, they believe that it could have been discovered by the Incas 600 years ago because in the place you can see different types of constructions, from the finest to the most rustic, attributed to the Incas.
During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru, the Ollantaytambo ruins played a vital role in the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquerors. This rebellion was led by Manco Inca and succeeded in defeating a Spanish expedition.
Today, it is an important and popular tourist attraction in the Sacred Valley. Its main tourist attraction is the Inca site of Ollantaytambo which is visited by about 2000 visitors every day. Ollantaytambo Fortress – a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside, temples, and baths are worth a visit for history lovers.
Ollantaytambo Travel Guide Local Town
This charming town of Ollantaytambo is located at an altitude of 2,792 m (9,160 ft) in the far western reaches of the Sacred Valley, 2 hours driving from Cusco, Ollantaytambo is the only Inca city in the Sacred Valley which is still populated today.
Ollantaytambo village is also the best surviving example of Inca city planning. Indeed, Ollanta’s organizational grid system can be seen from vantage points high above, especially from the hill opposite the fortress. The valley is surrounded by mountains, three valleys at a height as a defense, and gateway to Antisuyo (the Amazon corner of the Inca Empire).
The Ollantaytambo town also offer you to walk through cobblestone streets of the town and its buildings built on foundations of Inca stonework, which remain remarkably intact similar to their original appearances after construction by the Inca.
Quick facts for visiting the Ollantaytambo ruins
- Ollantaytambo Inca fortress it opens between 7 am and 5 pm (all year)
- The tourist buses start to arrive at the ruins of Ollantaytambo from 11 am so it’s best to get there early.
- The archaeological site of Ollantaytambo becomes busy with day tours from Cusco to Sacred Valley from midday onwards.
- If you are planning on spending time in Peru then a trip to Ollantaytambo is definitely worth it, either on the way, or the way back from Machu Picchu. If you are staying in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba after your trip to Machu Picchu, take our Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and don’t miss anything on your way back to Cusco.
What to do in Ollantaytambo, the town en route to Machu Picchu
This quiet town of Ollantaytambo has plenty to offer: ancient culture and fascinating history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, a place to respectfully learn about and support the lives of the local Quechua Indigenous people, and a jumping-off point to visit an ancient town in the Sacred Valley that is filled with archaeological ruins.
- Visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins, either on your journey to or from your Machu Picchu experience, the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo is equally impressive and the main attraction in Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Explore the town of Ollantaytambo & its streets: Unique and incredibly well-preserved Inca cobblestone streets with an open drainage system that runs directly through the city streets. The town usually attracts day trippers from Cusco. But it is increasingly attracting overnight guests who stay here after their Sacred Valley tour en route to Machu Picchu, or after walking the Inca Trail. You can also stop before catching the train to Machu Picchu with a number of quality and budget hotels for you to stay in.
- Browse the souvenir Market: The town of Ollantaytambo also offer well-stocked open-air souvenir markets and situated at the main entrance of the Ollantaytambo ruins.
- Enjoy the view from the depositos de Pinkuylluna: A great free view over the village of Ollantaytambo and its imposing mountains is available from these old warehouses. The Pinkuylluna ruins (storehouses) is much less visited than the Terraces and Ruins, so they offer the opportunity to escape the crowds and sweat as well. The way up takes 30-45 minutes, and it will depend on your physical level and be careful on the way down!
- Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley Brewing): This local brewery is on the outskirts of town, but it’s easy to get there in a tuk-tuk or taxi, and if you like beer, you’ll love it here.
Day Tour through Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
If you are in the town of Ollantaytambo, or have just arrived in Ollantaytambo town to overnight either from Cusco city, after Machu Picchu experience, and want to start One Day Tour to Sacred Valley from either Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, ending in Cusco.
To explore Ollantaytambo ruins, Moray, Salt Mines & Chinchero, or Pisac ruins & Market on the way back to Cusco—Check out our Day Tour through Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo to Cusco for further inspiration
Trails to Explore in One Day in Sacred Valley
- Pumamarca Inca Ruins and Inca Trail Hike
- Urquillos Inca Trail Hike
- Inca Quarry Trail Hike
- Veronica Abra Malaga Hike
Is Ollantaytambo worth visiting?
Ollantaytambo, Peru – The stop between Cuzco and Machu Picchu. It is not as well known as the spectacular ancient city of Machu Picchu, but nevertheless worth visiting for those who want to learn more about the Inca Empire.
Is it better to stay in Cusco or Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is closer to Machu Picchu and has more train options, so it is more convenient to stay there one night before Machu Picchu if you’re catching an early train. Ollantaytambo is a good spot to stay before heading to Machu Picchu. The train ride to MP will be shorter (vs departing from Cusco).
